Chapter 383: Each with Their Own Scheme

After they returned to the hotel, Li Fuzhen, as expected, took Zhao Xiao'an aside for a private chat, claiming they had important matters to discuss.

Wang Chenning went in with them and made them some tea before excusing himself, saying he had work to do, and returned to his own room.

Once back in his room, Wang Chenning called Lv Qinglan and Wu Jingyi, telling them to get to Qiantang by the following evening.

After discussing the partnership with Wang Jiangxing, Wang Chenning had instructed Lv Qinglan and Wu Jingyi to draw up a new investment plan.

The two of them were incredibly efficient and had quickly produced a proposal that Wang Chenning was quite pleased with.

After they revised it based on his feedback, the plan was essentially ready.

Upon receiving his instructions, they immediately agreed. They said they would take the afternoon high-speed train to Qiantang so it wouldn't interfere with their work during the day.

Wang Chenning had initially considered having them travel with Yang Xiaofei, but after a moment's thought, he decided against it.

'It's better if they come separately. That'll avoid any potential conflict or awkwardness, since Lv Qinglan used to be Yang Xiaofei's assistant.'

Just as he was finishing up, Wang Chenning saw a text from Li Fuzhen.

"I didn't notice you putting anything in the tea. Neither Zhao Xiao'an nor I feel sleepy!"

"Just keep talking. Try to build a real connection!" Wang Chenning wasn't in a hurry. Besides, he had no intention of playing any tricks on Zhao Xiao'an.

He didn't want to resort to that.

And if he got caught, the price would be steep.

As he was replying to Li Fuzhen, he got a call from Li Mingchao.

"Brother Ning, you're incredible!" Li Mingchao said with a laugh. "No matter where you go, you always manage to make a huge splash. You went to Qiantang to be a tourist, but somehow you've become the city's official spokesperson!"

"What can I say? I'm just that good-looking," Wang Chenning joked back. "I have tons of fans, way more than those pop idols. Besides, the people here in the Common Prosperity Zone are incredibly efficient, so they just snapped me up!"

"I'm more and more impressed with you!" Li Mingchao praised him again before lowering his voice. "Did you know, something else interesting has happened in the two days you've been away from Yandu?"

"What is it?" Wang Chenning asked, slightly surprised. "Yandu is a huge city. I'm sure interesting things happen every day, right?"

"Zhang Guoping was in a car crash!" Li Mingchao said in a conspiratorial tone. "Yesterday, while he was on his way somewhere, his car suddenly had a blowout. The driver didn't handle it well, and his car collided with a public bus. The vehicle was heavily damaged, and he—who had just gotten out of the hospital two days ago—is now right back in! A lot of people are saying it probably wasn't an accident!"

Wang Chenning asked in surprise, "You mean someone deliberately targeted Zhang Guoping?"

"It's highly likely!" Li Mingchao didn't deny Wang Chenning's suspicion. "And that's not all. Something happened to Lin Annian, too. The chandelier in his bedroom randomly fell and nearly crushed him. Luckily for him, the woman he was with that night took the hit instead. She's seriously injured; probably won't be out of the hospital for at least ten days to two weeks. We're all guessing whether Lin Annian was scared so bad he won't be able to carry on the family line anymore!"

Wang Chenning couldn't help but laugh. "So you're saying that wasn't an accident either, but someone deliberately causing trouble?"

Li Mingchao stifled a laugh and replied, "I can't be sure about that one. It's also possible they were just making such a commotion that they shook the chandelier loose themselves!"

"Well, if this is them scheming against each other, it's certainly getting interesting!" Wang Chenning chuckled. "Is Bai Qianxun all right?"

"Bai Qianxun is fine!" Li Mingchao's voice returned to normal. "But who knows what'll happen next. None of them are the type to back down. If they really start going at it, it won't be over quickly. It's a shame you're not in Yandu. You're missing a good show."

"I'm sure the show will still be going on when I get back," Wang Chenning replied with a smile. "Yandu is full of big shots, after all. There's always plenty of drama."

He then reminded Li Mingchao to be careful. It wouldn't be so funny if he ended up being the next unlucky one.

"I think I should be fine," Li Mingchao said, his words carrying a hint of deeper meaning. "After all, I've been keeping my nose clean lately. I haven't gotten into any conflicts with any of them. All I've done is follow you around a bit. Surely they wouldn't have a problem with me just working with you, would they?"

Wang Chenning didn't chat much longer with Li Mingchao, cutting the call short by saying he had other things to attend to.

Wang Chenning understood the implication behind Li Mingchao's words. 'That kid suspects I'm the one pulling the strings behind the scenes.'

Their relationship had been good lately, so of course he wouldn't target Li Mingchao.

He immediately sent instructions to Wang Liqing and Wang Liyu, telling them to look out for Li Mingchao and his friends.

Another text arrived from Li Fuzhen.

"Zhao Xiao'an seems to be getting sleepy; she can't stop yawning. A little more chatting and I'm sure she won't be able to hold out. You can go ahead and see Li Yanxian. I'll take care of Zhao Xiao'an for you." In truth, by the time Li Fuzhen sent the message, Zhao Xiao'an had already succumbed to her drowsiness and fallen asleep on the bed.

She was exhausted from running around all day, had a little to drink in the evening, and Li Fuzhen had also used a few of her own little tricks. Zhao Xiao'an was in no mood to ask Wang Chenning to come over; all she wanted was a good night's sleep.

A moment after he received Li Fuzhen's text, a message from Li Yanxian arrived right on cue.

"I walked so much today; I'm exhausted. Could you come over and give me a massage? I have something to tell you, too."

"All right," Wang Chenning agreed.

When he knocked and Li Yanxian opened the door, the first thing he asked was, "Where's Li Fuzhen?"

"She went to talk business with Zhao Xiao'an," Li Yanxian said, looking at Wang Chenning with a wry smile. "It seems Li Fuzhen's plan is to keep Zhao Xiao'an occupied for you so she won't come and disturb you. So, she'll most likely be sleeping in Zhao Xiao'an's room tonight."

"And you still dared to invite me over, even after guessing her intentions?" Wang Chenning let his gaze roam audaciously over Li Yanxian, who had just stepped out of the shower.

She was wearing nothing but a loose-fitting nightgown, her hair casually tousled. Her languid posture exuded an boundless allure.

"My back is sore, my legs are sore, and I feel all tense and overheated. My skin is a bit dry and I'm breaking out. Hurry up and help me get rebalanced," Li Yanxian said, crossing her arms over her chest in a reflexive, defensive posture. "I'm tired today, too. I want to get to sleep early."

"All right," Wang Chenning agreed. "Then lie down. I'll give you half an hour."

Li Yanxian did as he said, lying face down on the bed. She relaxed her entire body, preparing for Wang Chenning's treatment.

"Let's start with acupuncture on a few pressure points," he said, already preparing the silver needles as he spoke.

Li Yanxian didn't object.

Soon, she felt the miraculous sensation of Wang Chenning's acupuncture. Her body relaxed even further, and an indescribable craving began to stir within her.

After performing acupuncture for a while, Wang Chenning said softly, "Now I'll give you a massage to help you sleep well."

"Mmm," Li Yanxian hummed in agreement and, at Wang Chenning's request, turned over onto her back.

Now they were face to face. Li Yanxian glanced at Wang Chenning a couple of times before closing her eyes.

Wang Chenning began to massage her. At first, his technique was completely professional, but it slowly grew more provocative.

Seeing that she showed almost no resistance, his touch became far more direct...